“Why not build your own ladder?” Starting and running a business is an exhilarating journey, rich with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This journey, however, requires constant evolution, adaptation, and above all, a deep understanding of your motivations.

Think of your motivations as fire starters: kindling, sticks, and logs. The kindling, the spark that gets the fire going, could be dissatisfaction with a mundane job or immediate financial needs. These motivators can ignite the entrepreneurial flame but tend to burn out quickly. Sticks, or the desire for a better lifestyle or more flexibility, burn longer and offer more substance.

The logs stand for the deeper motivations that underpin your entrepreneurial spirit. These motivations, such as the desire to change your industry or make a world-altering impact, are more challenging to ignite but form the enduring foundation of your entrepreneurial fire. Keeping these motivations front and center, especially during challenging times, can be the key to lasting success.

Once you’ve gained clarity on your “why,” the next step is to align your business with your passions and interests. If you love traveling, education, or meeting new people, look for ways to incorporate these passions into your business. As Rachel Pedersen, the author of *Unfiltered*, suggests, finding your “Square One,” or the intersection of your interests and business, is a crucial step in your entrepreneurial journey.

Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses is another critical aspect of this journey. Embrace the superhero within you by utilizing your strengths to overcome your weaknesses. Sometimes, our perceived weaknesses can become our greatest strengths. For example, if you’ve often been told you’re overly sociable you could turn this trait into an asset in a business that thrives on social interaction.

Some aspects of business might initially seem appealing but may not align with your interests or strengths once you delve in, and vice versa. It’s essential to be honest with yourself about the pros and cons of different types of businesses. Conduct thorough research, talk to people, ask questions, and learn about various business models. Ultimately, reaching your square one means shaping a business that resonates with the way you want to live.